We'd rather fight with music - choosing when the rhythm warms...

Where hip-hop meets reggae, where jazz is played with dirty hands, where a Cuban line meets an Aussie rule, where nothing seems in place but sounds like many places played in one earthy chord. This is the island where THE CAT EMPIRE was born. (Written by the band in 2001)

The first day in October has seen a massive shift for me.  Such a good day on so many levels and the icing on the cake was seeing The Cat Empire celebrate 10 years of LIVE shows along with 1,500 other people at the Tivoli in Brisbane.


I could write a review on the band, the gig, the venue but it's best said here. And I have kinda talked about these guys numerous times over the years.  You can read more on my blog here and here.


Watch the video here for a teaser of just how good these guys are.



I can literally talk about this amazing group of musicians forever because (and this is not just my opinion) they have been hailed as being one the best LIVE acts in the world.  I love their albums but their gigs are something completely different - a spirit and magick that has to be witnessed to understand the true essence of who The Cat Empire really are.  They're a group of guys who leave their egos at the door.  Their on-stage presence is powerful, uplifting and the most talented bunch of musos in the world.


I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform LIVE.  Every Brisbane gig I'm there :)  And every gig is completely different than the last.  Even though you may have heard a song over 100 times, they will put a unique spin on it every time.


Which brings me to why I'm not writing a review about The Cat Empire but more about a project I've been working on for over twelve months inspired by The Cat Empire songs.  I've written three of the planned twelve stories.  I'm a bit behind schedule - it was supposed to be one story a month for a year but somehow life got in the way.


My stories are not based on the content of The Cat Empire songs as my stories are dark, sometimes supernatural with the horror in the mundane which of course is nothing like a Cat Empire song.  Their songs are full of light and hope and joy and they are the best Australian party starters!


But because of the way my mind is geared I write dark, I write contemporary stories always verging on horror either in the character, situation or place, and for some bizarre reason I'm not sure How to Explain - The Cat Empire songs provide the inspiration.  I'm not sure how Felix or Harry or Ryan or Jumps or Will or Ollie would feel about this but if I change the titles they don't have to know :)


What inspires you in your life whether it be through music, art, words or just life itself?  


Midnight rambler still on a high and dancing to The Chariot

After Midnight...

Thought this was appropriate since I'm the Midnight rambler...
Click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx2Wb-80R5U&feature=player_embedded
 or vid below:




Catch you all after midnight...







Midnight Rambler we're gonna let it all hang out...

Why I'm not blogging...



Building a website is the 'too hard basket'



Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this post.  I’m not blogging at the moment for two reasons and wanted to let you know that I’m not ignoring you dear followers or being slack.  I’m simply trying to achieve the following:

• Recover from this very nasty viral infection that is really, seriously and literally messing with my head;
• And because I no longer wish to blog on this site.  I’m in the process of building a new website – which is like taking forever!  I blame the headaches J or it could simply be my inadequate brain to take in all the technical stuff of making a more functional site.

Anyways, the theory is if I keep blogging here I will never finish the new site.  So I will aim to be up and running as fast as possible given the two reasons above and hope to see you in the blogosphere real soon.

Take care my lovelies and if you subscribe to this blog or are a facebook buddy or a fan of my facebook page or follow me on twitter – you will know when my new site is up and running.  Which will be ultra soon - Inshallah.

Midnight rambler moving into creative space ♥

Going down the rabbit hole...

'The Rabbit Hole is a three-day, 30-hour writing frenzy where participants aim to write 30,000 words OR the words 'The End' - whichever comes first!'

And it starts tomorrow.  I had planned to be a part of this worthwhile event.  Since this was announced I have moved, been sleep deprived and commenced full time work, not to mention I can barely make my way to my desk to write.  Clearly, this is no excuse to not be a part of The Rabbit Hole event.

I will write.  Absolutely, I will -  but rather than aim for the above as I would have given better circumstances - instead I will dip in and out over the weekend.  Check in on the facebook page and see what's happening.  Go here for more info and maybe you might like to sign up.  What a great way to spend a weekend.  Allowing yourself the freedom of expression without interruption, or chores, or distractions.  So watch the facebook, the tweets but don't get caught up or procrastinate.

This is your opportunity to dig on down the 'rabbit hole' and actually put some words on the page.  Go Queensland Writers Centre for bringing this together! Let's make it a productive weekend of getting in touch with your creativity and enjoying the wild abandon of writing in a frenzy.

Have fun to all you participants and even I expect to achieve some words this weekend.

Midnight rambler preparing for some disconnection from the mess and chaos that surrounds me :)

Movies combined with music brings great storytelling...

To follow on from my last post this video is what I was talking about.  Raise your hands if you're into music, movies and story telling.  Then this is for you.  Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros Album 'Up From Below' is told through a series of short films - how cool is that?  This is totally the best marketing tool I've seen especially if music is your thang and if you're visual like you me, you will so totally get this.

This is PART 1 of a 12-Part feature-length movie musical. The opening footage is of singer Alex Ebert's father chanting in Monument Valley - shot by his mother. Desert Song is about Alex's reckoning with the middle name his father secretly wrote on his birth certificate - a Native American name which means 'Devil' or 'Demon'. The debut album from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, "Up From Below", is available from iTunes.  I will post Part II and Part III over the next few days or you can check them out yourself on their video channel :)

DIRECTED BY: Benjamin Kutsko and Cory Marrero
LABEL: Community Music/Fairfax Recordings - US : Rough Trade - UK
DP: David Myrick
EDITED BY: Alex Ebert and Brandon Driscoll-Luttringer
VFX: Benjamin Kutsko and Casey Allen
WARDROBE BY: Cassandra Kellogg and Amanny Ahmad
MAKEUP: Sarai Fiszel

Click here to listen or on video below.



Midnight rambler seriously wants to write short films...

'My darkness is shining. Have faith in ourselves. Truth...'

I can't get enough of Alex Ebert aka Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros... 

This guy is beyond words.  I've seen him perform and man did he blow me away with his charisma, love, heart, and genuine beauty. Seriously, he beamed light across the audience and uplifted our hearts.  Everyone at the Hi-Fi Bar at West End had a smile on their face.  So much love in one room :) I could go on a total rant about how cool and groovee this guy really is and if you've ever seen him LIVE you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

He has a bucket load of talent.  He makes mini movies, a series of short films that tell a story of wild, and fantastical imaginings with love being at the heart of everything.  His magickal craft of story telling combined with awesome music makes Alexander Ebert a true legend.  Kick back, crank it up and lose yourself in the beauty of the music delivered with genuine love and most of all truth...

To listen click here or the video below.




Midnight rambler truly inspired my this amazing talent... ♥

Why can't I get this right?

This is a pic of the current state of my office/creative space.  What do I do?  Do I write? Do I blog, answer emails, connect with my online community, unpack?

Writing should be number one priority, right? I'm a writer! But of late my priority has been the day job (without that the bills don't get paid) packing and moving - without the boxes I live in limbo - great when travelling not so great when bogged down with responsibilities and financial commitments, and did I mention the constant interruption of tradies - repairs galore!

Needs some attention...

This time poor business is a constant juggle for me switching between the practical, creative, and business mind.  It would seem I don't manage my time well at all, yet in the work place - time management is one of my strong points - so what's that about? Am I just one of those crazy, creative people that constantly distract themselves with other things, like life, which leaves me in this constant flux of creative frustration!

How am I supposed to eat healthy food...

How do you manage your writing/creative time when big things take over your life?  All tips, thoughts, ideas are hugely appreciated.  Should I start by acknowledging what I do do with my time?  I've now blogged (tick), dealt with the oven technician except now I have no door so can't cook - so that's only half a tick, dishwasher repair (still working on that one) Air con service (tick) unpack a box or two, or three (tick) even God forbid a coffee break and relax over the latest edition of Writing Queensland? Not looking likely!

What am I doing wrong?  Maybe I should just get drunk and dance on the beach?  Thoughts...

Midnight rambler juggling too many balls...

Is home where the heart is...

Home is where the heart is - or is it?

A question I've pondered numerously over the years. My heart belongs in Sydney - yet I live in BrisVegas!  Why not Sydney, my home?  The jury's still out on that one...

But having said that, it gets me to thinking about home and what it is or what home means, and as I grow older and move into being the creative 'goddess' I'm destined to be :)  I find Home means, and is many different things at different points in our life.

It could be: where you hang your hat; or living out of a backpack, something I've been known to do for three years at a time, travelling the world and exploring other peoples homes :) - it could be your campervan, one day I will no doubt hit the road in my funked up purple 'love bug' with hand painted peace signs; or a studio apartment in a major city, oh how I've loved this option; a share room in the back of someone's house, it's amazing how homely you can make a simple, small space; or a tree hut in the middle of the rainforest, haven't tried this one yet, but willing to consider.

Whatever Home means to you will no doubt change many times as life isn't static - but whatever 'home' means to you at this given moment, nurture it, cherish it, seek it out and let it wrap its arms around you welcoming you, giving you a SAFE place to fall.

Now, for some fun - enjoy LCD Soundsystem version of what home is by clicking on the video below or by clicking here and in the meantime drop me a line and let me know what home means to you.

Midnight rambler finding the earth beneath her feet...

Even on a cloudy day...

Okay, well here I am again!  The new blog, the new website as hoped just didn't happen.  What a let down that was.  My weekend didn't quite work out as planned (insert sad face here). 

Ah, well, moving on...maybe this weekend will bring more joy and productivity of the creative kind.  One can hope.  In the meantime I thought it about time I posted something of the musical variety.

This song by Cage the Elephant sums it all up really.  Have a listen and let me know what you think. If you can't view the video below click here instead.




Midnight rambler keeping her eyes fixed on the sun...

A step or two backwards...

Many apologies for not blogging of late.  Considering my last post I’m not doing very well am I?  I was all geared up with Twitter, facebook and building my author platform…so where is it?  I haven’t taken a hiatus from social media intentionally. 

I’m sorry that I haven’t been communicating.  Life simply has got in the way of creative pursuits, much to my annoyance, as my life is mostly made up of working full time with ridiculous starts at 4.30am.  For those who know me personally – you know that this hour of the morning is normally my bed time…talk about a challenge!

I have been researching website options, hosting, vlogging and doing a ton of reading on the subject but and there’s a big BUT!  I find between juggling the full time job and family commitments it all very time consuming.  I know you’re supposed to be able to set up a blog within a few hours – I think I’m too fussy.  I spent hours scouring templates and happy with none of them!  Do you see the problem here? 

So my planned activities for Easter just didn’t happen.  The new blog is still not up and the website not even close to being built. 

How about you?  Did you achieve all that you planned over Easter and did you rest and relax and enjoy?  We have another long weekend here in BrisVegas so for us Brisbanites another chance to catch up on things that got missed last weekend.

I’m still in the process of creating some groovy slideshows of my travels to Egypt from way back in 2008.  Still not completed yet as we speak and I need them for tomorrow night for travel movie/photo night at friend’s house…nothing like a deadline to get me moving.  I really need to address this.  Really – it’s almost three years since that glorious trip and I still don’t have it all up and ready to present.  I will have by tomorrow morning though.

I’m uploading and burning as I write this to you J And after tomorrow night, the plan is to get a 'new look' blog up and running by the end of Monday night.  Fingers crossed I can make this happen and fingers crossed you no longer have to read my posts on this site.  I’m planning on something new, fresh and maybe even a little funky J

Best keep going…I will check in with you on my progress over the weekend…so maybe one more post on this site J

Midnight rambler slowly making progress…

Been to hell lately?

Been to hell lately?  What does hell mean to you?  If you're there, or been there or on the road back, always happy to hear your thoughts.  In the meantime enjoy :)

Midnight rambler - I put my brave face on...

Summer Solstice, Blood Moon and my beautiful mother…

My beautiful mother ♥

Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year which bears the most sunshine hours.  It is also my mother’s anniversary of twelve years and if this day isn’t special enough it also ***coincides with a 'Blood Moon' aptly titled because of its blood-red hue from a lunar eclipse. 






Photo: Midnight rambler...



The feminine and masculine aspects of the summer solstice represent a time of newness, sustenance, a move from dark to light, rebirth and healing.  It’s also a time for finding the inner balance between our dark and light sides including the global forces around us. 

The summer solstice is a time of great change where we can celebrate and begin to build a bridge between the spiritual and earthly realm by burning incense, use herbs for medicinal purposes, mediate with crystals, bring colour into our world and eat nourishing foods.

'Spirit orbs surrounding the moon'
Photo: Midnight rambler...

So it seems natural to me to celebrate my mother’s life and the summer solstice by eating nourishing seasonal fruits and veges (something my mother loved) dress in bright coloured clothing, tend to the land in some way: gardening, picking or pruning flowers, and enjoying the world around us.  Enjoy the smells, the flowers, the colours, animals and birdlife.  Walk by the ocean, or barefoot in a forest but most of all be present in the simple joy of sharing a moment, a meal, or a conversation with those we love ♥

Midnight rambler remembering her best friend ♥♥♥♥

*** The 'Blood Moon' rose on the eve of my mothers anniversary.

GALA/FINAL - SHORT + SWEET THEATRE



S+S cast

 What a week it’s been and so much to share.  Firstly, Saturday 20^th November was the Finals/Gala of the Short + Sweet Theatre Festival here in BrisVegas @ the Judith Wright Centre.  I was excited beyond words to not only be an audience participant for Week 2 of the top 20 on the Friday night but again at the final/Gala Award night on Saturday.   I not only witnessed some really amazing plays but my little play,The Corpse cannot Play was in the Top Ten alongside some of the best!

We were all winners in effect, just having made it into the top 30 was something of an achievement for all of the entrants and congrats to all those who did.  It’s been a top festival and something I’m been very proud to be a part of. 

It’s great to support local theatre and all of the arts for that matter and even if I hadn’t had a play performing,  Short + Sweet  Theatre is well worth buying a ticket for.  You get bite size chunks of theatre from all different genres and no chance to get bored as none of them go longer than ten minutes and what a variety you get to see over one night.  Ten plays, all different.  Some make you laugh, others cry and maybe even shiver with excitement or creeping fear.  It’s great and I for one will be supporting this every year whether I have a play being performed or not.

It was wonderful having so many of my friends come along in support for my play but also for supporting other artists, writers, actors, and directors while being entertained.

Thanks to the awesome Short +Sweet crew, Candice Diana and Sean Dennehy and the many more who I didn’t get to meet.

And now for the winners:

Nuns Gone Wild

The Short+Sweet Award Presented to the best overall production - taking into consideration acting, directing and script - performed at the Gala Final.

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best Comedy Presented to the writer of the Best Comedy performed at the Gala Final.

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best Drama Presented to the writer of the Best Drama performed at the Gala Final.

The Devil’s Aftershave

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Matthew Filkins

Cast: Jeremy Wood.

Michelle Miall & Sean Dennehy

Best Director Presented to the Best Director of plays performed at the Gala Final.

Michelle Miall 

for

Lifetime

Writer: Angie Farrow

Sound Designer: Cameron Rollo

Cast: Dirk Hoult, Emma Che Martin.

Best Actor (male) Presented to the actor who gave the most outstanding performance throughout the festival.

Jeremy Wood

for

The Devil’s Aftershave

Writer: Pete Malicki

Director: Matthew Filkins

Cast: Jeremy Wood.

Best Actor (female) Presented to the actor who gave the most outstanding performance throughout the festival.

Bronwyn Morrow

for

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

The Wildcards Winner The play judged to be the best overall production (taking into consideration acting, directing and script) performed during the Wildcards.

Queen Of De Nile

Wrought Iron Productions

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Carmen Cuskelly

Best New Talent Presented to an emerging writer, director or actor who performed outstandingly either at the Gala Final or during the festival.

Marion Welsch

for

Scissors. Paper. Rock.

Writer: Marion Welsch

Director: Marion Welsch

Little Black Duck Productions

and

Nuns Gone Wild

Writer: Leon Foo

Director: Tim Driver

Cast: Bronwyn Morrow, Barbara Chaffe, Marion Welsch

Best ITC Presented to the Independent Theatre Company who presented the most outstanding overall production either at the Gala Final or throughout the festival.

Testy

Wrought Iron Productions

Concept: Christopher Cherry

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Chris Holt, Adam Drake, Christopher Cherry, Fabienne Drake, Evie Richards.

 and

Queen Of De Nile

Wrought Iron Productions

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Carmen Cuskelly

People’s Choice Award For the most popular play as voted by audiences throughout the festival.

Testy

Wrought Iron Productions

Concept: Christopher Cherry

Writer: Carmen Cuskelly

Director: Christopher Cherry

Cast: Chris Holt, Adam Drake, Christopher Cherry, Fabienne Drake, Evie Richards.

Congrats to all and now can’t wait for next year :)

Midnight rambler is planning.

The Corpse cannot Play



Just some of the lovely audience...

More pix of celebration from the 'Wildcard' session of The Corspe cannot Play held at the Judith Wright Centre for the Contemporary Arts Saturday 13th November can be found here

Professionals shot of the dress rehearsal coming soon...Stay tuned

Midnight rambler contemplating writing some story beats

Corpses, ghosts and broken glass...

Jessica Armbrust (Director) with Moi (writer)

Finally got to meet the beautiful and talented Jessica Armbrust (Director of my ten minute play) The Corpse cannot Play and the lovely actors Susie Omar (who played Katherine) and Alex Hines (Carol).  Their performance was convincing, and exuberant bringing my characters to life.

Alex Hines & Susie Omar

I'm so incredibly excited about how this play was represented.  With no prior collaboration or discussion as planned, Jessica interpreted my vision pretty much spot on.  Susie and Alex owned their roles as Katherine and Carol giving it their all. 

It was fantastic to have my wonderful supportive friends come out and watch it along with nine other great plays.

Was I nervous on the night?  Hell yeah.  Not because I didn't trust the direction or the performances - it was more about it being out there for the world to see...but love it or hate it -  I'm still rapt my little play saw the light of day...

We didn't make the finals but nevertheless it was a blast.  It's not over yet as we enter into week two of the top 20 plays.  I have tix for Friday and Saturday night which include the Gala/Finals.

If you haven't checked out the biggest and coolest little play festival in the world then don't delay!  Do it now by booking tickets here.

Midnight rambler doing the happy dance ♥

Talking theatre: short plays, short stories, ten minutes at a time...

The lovely Rowena from ROR has invited me to talk about playwrighting vs fiction.

"I should emphasise here that I’m discussing short plays as opposed to feature length, so it might be more applicable to explore short plays (ten minutes) versus short stories.  What are the differences?" 

Read the full article here

Ausmusic Month...

Finally, I get to post something to do with music!  My first music post for the month and I will be highlighting Australian music in line with Triple J’s Ausmusic month.

It was with sad irony that we lost James Freud, front man for Models to suicide on 4^th November, 2010.  Models, an alternative rock band had a great influence on the Australian music scene in the late seventies/eighties.  So while I’m paying tribute to Ausmusic month and celebrating great Australian music this decade, it’s still fair to mention the impact our local bands have had on Australian music regardless of their era.  Rest in peace James ♥

The song I’m going to kick off with this month is from the featured artist on Triple J’s unearthed.  Lanie Lane – she is magnificent.  Have a listen, check out the article and click here for a free mp3 download of her single.

Midnight rambler dreading another 5.30am start...

WHAT HAPPENED on the way to…

There were a few things I wanted to blog about earlier this week and already it’s the end of week one into November – what the…

Between working and writing and subbing and stuff, the week has got away on me.  So here is a brief rundown of what I’ve been doing besides working in that other job that pays the bills.

·    Attending an awesome Masterclass at the QWC with the Master himself Simon Higgins on writing good YA.  But essentially it came down to just really great tips on good writing, regardless of the genre you write in.  I met some great people on the day and came away much more enlightened than when I arrived;

·    Applied for a Graduate Certificate in Screenwriting course for 2011 with AFTRS – what made me think I could get my application in good form with everything else that was going on around me in a week, I have no idea – doh!

·     And in addition to the above idiocy I wrote a short story and subbed two – one has since been rejected but at least it was a nice prompt reply and I’m not kept waiting in suspense.

And I want to write about Triple J’s Ausmusic month but I will post that tomorrow Inshallah

Midnight rambler dreading the thought of a 5.30am start tomorrow…

Truths, love, loss and finding your way...

I saw a wonderful film and beautifully told story yesterday called 'The Tree'.   An Australian tale based on the book 'Our Father who Art in a tree' by Judy Pascoe.  This adaptation of a great book is the work of French Director, Julie Bertucelli. 

This was an evocative tale about grief, love and the power of belief.  

And the other thing that touched me deeply in this film was the soundtrack and in particular this song 'To Build a Home' by The Cinematic Orchestra which touches at the deepest core of me.  A song full of truth with shades of sadness, of hope and new beginnings.

This song can be interpreted a million different ways - I'd be really keen to hear your interpretations. 


Midnight rambler thinks this song is about searching for the truth and sometimes leaving what you've built to find it...what do you think?



Reckless abandon, like no-one's watching you. A moment, a love, a dream aloud...

Here is another great band from Melbourne, The Temper Trap.  And hey it's Ausmusic month coming up in November - so it seems fitting to feature great Australian artists. 

This song sums up alot of what I feel - not just now, but most of the time and it's a pretty cool vid too - check it out. 

Oh, such sweet disposition ♥

Midnight rambler craving reckless abandon...